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An above-ground swimming pool provides an easy-access place to cool off in the hot summer months. While above-ground pools are usually less expensive than an in-ground pool, they're still a major investment of time and money. Before you dive in, do some research to find out just how much effort -- and cash -- it's going to take you to buy and maintain the pool.

Water Source

Above-ground pools typically require a lot of water. A cubic foot of water contains 7.5 gallons. A pool that is 6 feet deep, wide and long requires at least 1,600 gallons of water. The homeowner must provide this water, so your pool must be installed close enough to a water source to accomplish this. Water evaporates over time, so you have to top off the water levels periodically, as well.

Cost and Installation

It’s best to hire a professional who is familiar with local building codes and bylaws and who is experienced in troubleshooting and resolving potential problems, such as sloped landscapes, to install your pool, and this can increase your costs. Once installed, all pools require maintenance, and this involves the use of equipment and chemicals that add to the long-term costs. Another factor that can increase costs is your liner. Above-ground pool liners, which fit inside the pool to hold the water and prevent it from spilling over the sides, can be damaged during regular use. These must be patched or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. This can add to long-term costs.

The Legalities

Towns and cities commonly require a building permit for the installation of any type of pool, and each has its own requirements for placement and installation. California law states that all pools installed after January 1, 2007, are required to have at least one of seven required safety features, including a fence or wall around the pool with a gate that is self-closing, self-latching and able to be locked, or a pool alarm, which sounds when the pool is accessed. This law states that above-ground pools must have a fence that is at least 60 inches tall, with spaces between the fence slats that are less than 4 inches wide, and there must be no protrusions or other physical structures near the fence that would enable a child under the age of 5 to climb over it. The space between the bottom of the fence and the ground must be no more than 2 inches high, and gate latches cannot be less than 60 inches from the ground.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It's common to spend at least six to eight hours each week on pool maintenance, including checking the pH balance of the water at least once a week and checking the levels of chemicals such as chlorine and calcium at least once a month. Maintaining the pH of the pool helps prevent the formation of algae and bacteria. Maintaining the calcium level helps minimize corrosion or scale buildup on your pool parts and prevents eye and skin irritation. You also have to skim debris out of the water and clean the skimmer baskets daily and clean the walls and floor of the pool each week using pool cleaners, brushes and vacuums recommended by your pool manufacturer.

About the Author

Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario.